OK, I’ve resisted speaking out too much against it to this point, but this is plain stupid.
The Telegraph reported on 5 August that “Novartis: ashes of CEO’s mother ‘stolen by animal rights activists’”. Novartis claims that a sports facility fire in May was arson. Fire accelerant was also found onsite in this incident.
An urn with the ashes of Vasella’s mother, who died in 2001, was removed from the grave and someone spray-painted "Drop HLS [Huntingdon Life Sciences] Now" on the gravestone.
There is no concrete evidence yet that it was the group Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty, and the investigation continues. Whether it is them or not, the perpetrator needs to be caught and punished.
There have been a number of incidents in the news lately. Michael Vick was just released a little while ago after serving time for cruelty towards dogs. There was the Akron Petland where an employee drowned some rabbits.
I guess that’s what prompted one of those dumb Facebook surveys as to whether or not cruelty to animals should be a felony. Say what?
Even more interesting were some of the comments about a man who killed some cats with a hammer in Parma. “Someone should beat him with a hammer,” someone wrote.
There is no doubt that there is something wrong with someone like that, but he should beat with a hammer? It should be a felony? Aren’t we devaluing human life whenever we put animals on the same plane as humans?
A felony should be reserved for the most grievous of crimes against human beings: Rape, murder, armed robbery, just to name a few. Is someone seriously suggesting that drowning rabbits is in the same category as rape? Is dog fighting in the same category as murder?
The Bible talks of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth when it comes to other human beings. In other words, the punishment should match the crime. That is, pretty much, the definition of justice, after all. A fitting punishment for the crime committed. Anything else is injustice.
When it comes to animals, however, the Bible has quite a different take on it. You are not supposed to be cruel: An ox and and a donkey are different sizes, and it is cruelty for them to plow together, even your animals rest on the Sabbath, etc. However, notice that when an ox falls into a pit and it dies, there is no manslaughter charge. No, the owner is given money for it. If an ox gores someone to death, the ox is killed. Human life is more precious than any animals.
Have people who call themselves “Christian” forgotten totally about animal sacrifices? Wasn’t God trying to make a point about how precious human life is?
He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.
~ Isa 66:3-4
I think your mistaken on some points.
I'm thinking animal sacrifice has nothing to do with making a point about human life. It was sacrificing the "Best" of the crops/herd to the Lord.
He gave the Israelites complete instructions on how to kill an animal for sacrifices or to be eaten. The animal is never to suffer.
I think by the time an adult is capable of killing an animal in-humanly….he is mentally warped and it isn't safe around people….esp. children.
For over 30 years…..I will only eat Kosher meat….that is certified that it has been killed humanly. I personally think, along with other things, God holds us responsible for how we treat his animals.
I think your mistaken on some points.
I'm thinking animal sacrifice has nothing to do with making a point about human life. It was sacrificing the "Best" of the crops/herd to the Lord.
He gave the Israelites complete instructions on how to kill an animal for sacrifices or to be eaten. The animal is never to suffer.
I think by the time an adult is capable of killing an animal in-humanly….he is mentally warped and it isn't safe around people….esp. children.
For over 30 years…..I will only eat Kosher meat….that is certified that it has been killed humanly. I personally think, along with other things, God holds us responsible for how we treat his animals.
As I said, "there is something wrong with someone like that", referring to someone who would torture animals. I have to disagree that it needs to be an adult, though, in order for it to be a problem. Children who torture cats tend to grow up to be violent adults, studies have shown.
However, what I'm saying is I don't agree with trying to elevate animals to the level of humans. All that really does is debase humans.
Like most things, I think there are multiple lessons that can be learned from sacrifices. Certainly, the ideas of the giving of the "first" and the "best" are applicable. Yet, the purpose of the shedding of blood was symbolic of the ultimate covering of our sins by blood. At least in that regard, I think you have to admit that there is some point being made about human life. Sin leads to eternal death. Even the sacrifice of Jesus shows how much value the Father places upon human beings.
As I said, "there is something wrong with someone like that", referring to someone who would torture animals. I have to disagree that it needs to be an adult, though, in order for it to be a problem. Children who torture cats tend to grow up to be violent adults, studies have shown.
However, what I'm saying is I don't agree with trying to elevate animals to the level of humans. All that really does is debase humans.
Like most things, I think there are multiple lessons that can be learned from sacrifices. Certainly, the ideas of the giving of the "first" and the "best" are applicable. Yet, the purpose of the shedding of blood was symbolic of the ultimate covering of our sins by blood. At least in that regard, I think you have to admit that there is some point being made about human life. Sin leads to eternal death. Even the sacrifice of Jesus shows how much value the Father places upon human beings.